Ernest Ray Taylor

TAYLOR Ernest Ray Taylor, 81, of Fulton, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2018, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics. He was born on March 1, 1937, in Fulton, the son of the late William Ernest Taylor and the late Martha Elizabeth (Harrison) Taylor. On May 29, 1958, he was united in marriage to Carol June (Bethel) Taylor of New Florence, Missouri. Ray attended Fulton High School and graduated with the Class of 1955. Ray worked at Ovid Bell Press for 13 years as a linotype operator and machinist before purchasing a jewelry store from his father in 1973. Ray, alongside his wife, ran and operated Taylor's Jewelry in Fulton for 37 years, before retiring in 2010. Ray was a member of First Christian Church and served as Superintendent of Sunday School. He was a member of Fulton Rotary Club, Jaycees, and Treasurer of Fulton Kiwanis, President of Fulton Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of the Fulton Country Club, Callaway County Historical Society, and Friends of the Churchill Memorial. Ray loved collecting and restoring vintage sports cars, playing card games with friends and family, and sharing jokes with everyone he met. Ray will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years; son, Douglas Ray Taylor and wife Jenny of Overland Park, Kan.; granddaughter, Alexandria Nichole Taylor, and grandson, Zachary John Taylor of Overland Park, Kan.; brother, Ron Taylor and wife EuJane of Houston, Texas; niece, Leigh Ann Love and husband Danny; nephews, Carl Cannell Jr. and Lowe Cannell and wife Crystal; and great-niece, Danielle Love. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Lynn Taylor; and sister, Beulah Leigh (Taylor) Chirnside. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2018, at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton with Reverend Mindy Kiepe officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Interment will be in Callaway Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to American Diabetes Association, First Christian Church, or a charity of the donor's choice, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com.